Sunday = Haiti Presidential election day

Hi all,
Just wrote a long, thought provoking email about the elections tomorrow. The software crashed as I sent it. It's gone. :(
So: please pray for the tomorrow. It might be crazy or dangerous, according to rumored reports. More importantly Haiti could use a strong, honest, strong character & integrity based leader for a strong foundation of change.

Bon nuit,
David
Sent from my BlackBerry® device from Digicel

A question about Suffering

If suffering produces endurance, which produces character, which produces hope, isn't this something that everyone on the planet knows about and has the opportunity to access?

We all suffer. Even the rich suffer in their spirit with worry. All can be struck by accident, disease, war or disaster.

Right now Haiti suffers from cholera, earthquake damage, decades of poverty and political strife, a damaged ecosystem, and poor education system. I know many here who endure much, but have begun to wonder if all the handouts and lack of collaborative focus have resulted in fewer with character and very little hope.
I pray for it, but I just don't see hope in enough eyes.
I want to see hope.
Because with hope, one can have faith in the unseen and the future.
And we all need something to believe in.
Sent from my BlackBerry® device from Digicel

Cholera. Port-au-Prince

Apparently the cyclone pushed infected waters to more than the north. Or the water tables in this country are just too close. Either way it looks like it might get worse before it gets better.
If you have any medical friends that are looking for a place to volunteer for a week...???
Haiti direct: (+50938953360), BBM: 24B46DD9

Never Be

I'll never be who you want me to be.
I'll never stay in one place long enough for you to see
me every day, never there to hold your hand;
always going to the places where someone else demands
my attention and love - even though I love you.

I can't stay or be that guy that doesn't care;
can't watch others die lonely and is despair
without someone to just try;
without someone willing to sacrifice and die
like I would for you, which is why you love me.

I'll never stay where you are unless you go with me.
I can't stop because it's my life, and I must be free
or I'll be caged like those I risk to attend
who have no hope without the love shown me; and in the end
I want to never be someone except know by haith, hope and love.
And the greatest of these is love.

Haiti direct: (+50938953360), BBM: 24B46DD9

Cholera in Haiti is still a problem

Hurricane Tomas has passed without great harm done in and of itself. Unfortunately, a problem thought to be contained just a few weeks ago is back in force because the cyclone caused rains that flooded rivers and seems to have carried the disease to the northern part of Haiti.

Haiti direct: (+50938953360), BBM: 24B46DD9

Faith & Fear(lessness?)

"And Jesus' disciples freaked out because they thought the wind & storm would kill them. They screamed for him to wake up and when he did he commanded the weather to stop and asked, 'Where is your faith?'" ~Matthew 8:23-27

The rain has begun again at 3pm on Friday afternoon, long after the hurricane was supposed to do great damage. The trailing storms that follow the epicenter that missed us could still produce damage and steal away tent homes for a million Haitians.
My faith tells me that I can intentionally return to a disaster relief world in advance of impending doom (named "Hurricane Tomas"), stand in the face of it and pray for the storm to disappear. I have prayed that I and countless other followers of Jesus and hundreds of expatriates come to love and serve the people of Haiti might be protected simply by our presence & prayers.
Some might call me a fool. A few call me brave. Others may mock my belief in an "invisible" God. But even if the storm strikes with the greatest fury possible, devastating millions of predevastated lives, I will still call Jesus my lord and follow him until the end of time, loving and serving in His name so that others might know and believe He is good, also.
~David


Haiti direct: (+50938953360), BBM: 24B46DD9

Hello Manhattan!

I took this pic on my flight into/through JFK the other day (don't worry, my antenna was off and I was within FAA regulations) and it's probably the 1st time I've seen Manhattan from above.
I loved how I could see the tall buildings, the vast expanse of central park, and the subways (ok, maybe I just imagined seeing those).
Honestly, I really love New York City. Among the facts that it's a 24 hour city, I wouldn't need/want a car, has glorious art everywhere and my friends there are really passionate about community & service & saving the world & loving God, it's definitely a city I'd love to live in someday, if I get the chance!
Haiti direct: (+50938953360), BBM: 24B46DD9

I want my unwarranted optimism back!

I knew I loved Dilbert cartoons for a reason!
Haiti direct: (+50938953360), BBM: 24B46DD9

Hurricane Tomas hasn't hit Haiti quite yet

...but it's picking up speed. It was pretty windy this morning. And now it's a little calmer but all the skies are grey since noon. Heavy rains look ready to pounce...
I'll keep you updated as best I can. Mostly we bought extra rice, water, pasta & oil, and we have protein bars that may not taste great, but are still quality nourishment.
Tall trees have been trimmed, the generator is ready w/extra gas, tarps cover important gear, and we're as ready as we're going to be for whatever hits.
Your prayers for the Hurricane to change direction or dissipate are very welcome. A million people living in tents need them very much.

And in the meantime we're sitting around playing music w/not much else to do!
Haiti direct: (+50938953360), BBM: 24B46DD9